New Sideway for Lion's Park

2009-04-07

08:55:12

A new sidewalk proposed for Lion's Park in Fort Frances will get built this year.

The Fort Frances' Lions Club's commitment to the project was boosted after the Ontario Trillium Foundation announced the club would be getting $15,000 for the project.

President Jacques Fiset says its makes the park truly accessible to everyone.

"We have enough money set aside to go ahead and finish the project so people who are in wheelchairs can enjoy the park like everyone else," says Fiset.

Fiset says new concrete walkway will go from the children's play-area at the west end to the washrooms and gazebo to the east.

Ignace Water Plant on Hold

2009-04-07

08:54:15

Operation of the new Water Treatment Plant in Ignace has been delayed, yet again.

The community was hoping to have the facility up and running on April first. Mayor Lionel Cloutier says a number of issues need to be addressed before commissioning can take place. Cloutier says some deal with the compliance of Health and Safety laws and to meet regulations under the Clean Water Act.

Ignace residents have been forced to boil their water since July 2007.

 

Stolen College Plane Lands in Missouri

2009-04-07

08:48:01

The suspected pilot of a small plane stolen from Confederation College's flight school in  Thunder Bay is in custody in Missouri.

Highway Patrol Sergeant Marty Elmore says authorities arrested 31-year-old Adam Dylan Leon near Ellsinore in southeastern Missouri. Military officials say the four-seat Cessna plane was stolen from Thunder Bay Monday afternoon. Confederation College vice-president Judy Maundrell says a man was seen climbing a fence at the college's flight centre, and taking off with the plane.

American F-16 fighters intercepted the Cessna, which flew erratically through three American states and prompted the evacuation of the Wisconsin capitol. But the pilot did not respond to radio calls or other signals before landing on a road in Missouri and fleeing.

According to a report out of the U-S, Leon is a former Turkish national who became a Canadian citizen last year.

It's not clear why he took the plane in the first place.

Health Unit Budget

2009-04-07

08:13:23

The Northwestern Health Unit says it has no plans to increase its municipal levy this year.

The Health Unit has finalized its 2009 budget. Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jim Arthurs says local towns and cities don't have to worry about a hike in their contribution.

Instead, the province has promised to increase its share of its funding to health units across Ontario by three percent this year.

 

Gateway Corridor Project

2009-04-07

07:58:31

The refurbishing of a fire tower located on the American side of the border is part of an improvement project being examined in the International Falls area.

The Gateway Corridor proposes to improve the area between Highway 53 along Highway 11 to Voyageur's National Park. It includes renovating a State-owned building at the corner of Highways 53 and 11 intro a Central Wayside Rest. The plan also proposes corridor streetscapes and an extension of the bike trail from Voyageur's National Park to the city, signage, along with the improvements to the former fire tower located near the park.

Task Force Chair Terry Stone says the next step is to identify champions to help move the projects forward. Stone says many of the projects would qualify for federal funding.

Fire Tower Move Questioned

2009-04-07

07:49:32

Members of Fort Frances town council are expressing concerns with plans to move the tugboat Hallet and fire tower from Pither's Point Park to the Fort Frances Waterfront.

Community Services Manager George Bell told councillors at their meeting Monday night Tom Jones Construction will do the work for 1-point-4 million dollars. While there was support for moving the Hallet, some councillors weren't as keen on the fire tower.

Councillor Ken Perry says it has no historical significance to the town.

"The boat is significant to this area and we should save it," says Perry. "The tower should come down, yes, but not resurrected."

Councillor John Albanese called the project a waste of money. Bell says much of the project costs would be covered through provincial dollars with the town on the hook for about $230,000.

New Library Debated

2009-04-07

07:27:21

The chair of the Fort Frances Library Board is warning the project could die if town council fails to accept a $3.7 million contract to build the new library and technology centre.

Joyce Cunningham made those remarks as council debated yesterday a recommendation to enter into an agreement with Aurora Construction. The library board has been working towards a new library for 13 years. Cunningham says the town can't afford further delays.

"The longer you wait, the higher the price goes up," warned Cunningham. "That (provincial funding) money  was given to use, all of the money was given to us, was for a stand alone library and that's where we are. Today, if we don't go ahead, the project is dead."

Cunningham adds that if the town doesn't proceed, all of the provincial money previously received will have to be returned. About $3 million has been received from Northern Development and Mines and the Culture Ministries.

But some councillors are concerned with the town's portion of the overall costs, estimated at about $1 million. Councillor Paul Ryan fears that portion could rise if federal funding can't be found and the existing facility can't be sold.

But Cunningham warned the commitment made today would be far less than what the town may have to spend to bring the existing library into compliance with provincial laws.

"I have told you about the Accessibility for Ontario Disabilities Act. It's moving through the process."

"We can number crunch. We can project. We can go on forever, " says Cunningham. "The time (to build) is now."

Council is to make a final decision on Monday.